JERSEY CITY, N.J. — With elections less than a month away, Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro (pictured above) opens his campaign office on 518 West Side Avenue, in the center of Jersey City’s Filipino community, and urges community members to be vigilant with their voice and representation in government.

Lavarro is the first Filipino-American to be elected to Municipal Council in Jersey City and is running to retain his position.

Lavarro is on the ballot for Council At-Large, ballot position 1B, under Mayor Steven Fulop, for the Nov. 7 elections.

His office is open Monday to Friday at 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

“There are various ways to volunteer and the only requirement is the willingness to give your time,” said Lavarro.

“Volunteers are critical because I can only reach so many people on my own. Elections are about people coming together, actively advocating for issues and values that matter to us, and making sure that we elect a representative that can fight and advocate for the entire community.”

Lavarro’s campaign office has phone banking six days a week, and serves as a central location for people to request Team Fulop house signs, register to vote, or get a vote by mail application for those who prefer to mail in their ballot or expecting to be away on election day.

Oct. 17 is the deadline to register to be eligible to vote in the Nov. 7, 2017 election.

“Let’s not take it for granted; every vote counts,” said Lavarro.

“If you are eligible to vote and haven’t registered, you have until Tuesday, Oct. 17 to register. If you are expecting to be away or working a long day on election day, you can also apply to vote by mail. My office has voter registration forms and application to vote by mail and we can assist you. One vote can make or break an election. There is no room for complacency in any election. We should all look back at the 2016 presidential elections to remind us what overconfidence or complacency can lead to.”

Lavarro has also launched his website — lavarroforjerseycity.com — where people can sign up to volunteer, join his mailing list, donate, and get information about his campaign.